Reading Public Library Center of Excellence Report

From Nancy Aberman at Reading Public Library

The Reading Public Library received funding from NMRLS of $2,500 in April 2009 to expand and continue its series, LiveWires: Lifelong Learning in the Library. The funds were budgeted as follows: $2000 for speakers; $250 for supplies; and $250 for program refreshments. The general topics for the programs were suggested primarily by LiveWires participants.

LiveWires continues to be the centerpiece program for older adults in our Library. We are grateful to NMRLS for allowing us to be a recipient of the Center for Excellence funding in order to continue, and expand upon, this program. Because of the funding, we have been able to offer several workshops, specifically geared to the topic of aging. The first, Living on Purpose in the Second Half of Live was a three-hour workshop led by Roberta Taylor, a psychotherapist and certified life coach specializing in older adults. This workshop used self-discovery exercises, present goal-setting tools and practical resources to help participants focus on what is important in their lives. Because of the positive response to this workshop, and because of a request of several of the participants, we asked Roberta Taylor to design another workshop on the topic of legacy. This second, two and one half hour experiential workshop was Living Your Legacy which looked at some of the ways people might share stories and enliven their lives by creating today what they want to be remembered for tomorrow.

Having been able to offer these two workshops, in addition to our other programming, allowed the Reading Public Library to demonstrate to our constituents the commitment we have to continuing and expanding upon our services to active older adults.

The LiveWires program will continue for another year due to the generosity of the Friends of the Reading Public Library. In addition, I have applied to the Reading Lions Club for funding for the LiveWires program.